Stateline Headlines

Michigan Legislature Feeling Impact Of Term Limits

In Maine, Arkansas, Missouri, California, Colorado, Oregon and Michigan, there are a lot of new faces in the legislature this year. These seven states are feeling the impact of term limits that drove scores of veteran lawmakers out of office in 1998. Eleven more states will be affected in coming years as state government is transformed. In this special report, stateline.org examines how the term limit experiment is working in Michigan, which is second only to Arkansas in the number of new legislators.

Connecticut Tops in Teacher Pay, Educators' Union Says

Teachers in Connecticut continue to earn more than their peers in other states, a survey by the American Federation of Teachers, a union that represents more than one million educators, shows. The average Connecticut teacher's salary during the 1997-1998 school year - the latest time period for which there are figures - was $51, 727. South Dakota had the lowest average teacher salary -- $27, 839. The national average teacher's salary was $39,347, the AFT said.

Four Legislatures Rapped For Lax Ethics Ignore Criticism

In a scathing report last February called "Hidden Agendas," the Center for Public Integrity, a non-profit, non-partisan government watchdog group, criticized state legislators in Michigan, Idaho, Utah and Vermont for having the laxest ethical standards in the nation. stateline.org looked at the situation again six months later, and found that little has changed.

Michigan, Wisconsin Return, Alaska Tackles Native Rights

Summer has officially come to an end for Michigan and Wisconsin lawmakers who began their fall legislative sessions this week. Also, Alaska started a special session on Wednesday so Gov. Tony Knowles could give lawmakers one last chance to pass a rural subsistence constitutional amendment and prevent a federal takeover of fish and game management in the state.

New York Sales Tax Holidays Prove Popular Idea

With New York planning to make its temporary clothing sales tax holidays permanent on March 1, other states are considering copying the limited-time tax breaks popularized by New York, Texas and Florida. Lawmakers in Michigan and South Carolina are studying proposals to give tax holidays to consumers, while the Wisconsin legislature rejected Governor Tommy Thompsons plan to give holiday shoppers a break.

Legislators Weigh Morality Bills To Deter School Violence

Ten high-profile school shootings in three years, the most horrific the Columbine High School massacre, have many adult Americans fearful that schools and the nations youth are engulfed in a moral vacuum. In many of the fifty statehouses, this clamor has translated into a reawakened interest in morality-based legislation.

States Increasingly Unprepared For Recession, Study Warns

Five of eight states that in early 1999 had sufficient financial reserves to weather a recession have since lost those cushions due to tax cuts, according to a Center on Budget and Policy Priorities study.

California, Michigan Voters To Decide Voucher Debates

The school voucher debate is no place for the rhetorically faint of heart. Supporters claim they would breathe some much-needed life into failing public school systems and provide an escape route for poor children. Foes claim vouchers would drive another nail into the coffins of poorly performing public schools. This November 7, voters in California and Michigan will decide whom to believe as they cast ballots to vote on one of the year's more fiercely contested school reform measures.

Four States Share Bonus For Curbing Out-of-Wedlock Births

Four states and the District of Columbia have bucked the national trend and are reporting dips in their rates of births to unmarried mothers, the Department of Health and Human Services reported Friday. While the percentage of out-of-wedlock births in the nation as a whole climbed slightly over the two years from 1997 to 1998, it fell in Alabama, Arizona, Illinois, Michigan and the District of Columbia.

Education On The Ballot In Several States

November 7 isn't just about electing the next President, Congress, governors or state legislature. It is also the day Americans vote on ballot initiatives that often show what issues have priority among citizens. In at least seven states, education is on the ballot.

Voters in Michigan Uninspired By Choices

In addition to a close race between presidential candidates Al Gore and George Bush for the state's 18 electoral votes, Michigan is the scene of a cliffhanger U.S. Senate contest and a high stakes battle over school vouchers. Journalist Richard Pretorius recently visited the state to take the pulse of the electorate and learned that many Michigan voters find this year's election campaign distinctly uninspiring.

Education Measures Get Pass or Fail Grades

Ballot measures dealing with education got a mixed reception from U.S. voters on Nov. 7. In some of the most closely-watched contests, far-reaching school voucher initiatives were defeated in California and Michigan, while a ban on bilingual education was approved in Arizona.

Michigan State of the State Address 2001

LANSING, Michigan - Jan. 31 - Following is the text of Gov. John Engler's 2001 State of the State Address: Thank you, Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus, for your introduction. Thank you, Father George Shalhoub, for your inspiring prayer. Speaker Rick Johnson, Majority Leader Dan DeGrow, members of the House and Senate, Chief

State Brownfields Programs Take National Stage

When Kentuckys Democratic-controlled House and Republican-led Senate both voted unanimously to expand brownfields programs last week, they committed the Bluegrass State to a decade-long push to make investment in cleaning up abandoned industrial sites more attractive to private redevelopers. They also signed on to one of the few nationwide environmental causes to generate real interest in both major political parties since Congress first acted to protect natural resources and public health and set up the Environmental Protection Agency over 30 years ago.

States See Fourth Quarter Tax Revenue Slowdown

States had a prosperous year overall in 2000 with record surpluses and tax revenue growth. But there were signs of weakening economies in many states as the year drew to a close, and a new report suggests a major slowdown in tax collections could just be the tip of the iceberg.

Bush Leaves States Holding Environment Bag, Critics Say

President Bush's new budget gives states more responsibility to protect the environment and conserve natural resources, but state officials say it fails to give them much new cash to get the job done. State officials say theyd like more support from an administration that would scale back the federal regulatory role if Bush has his way.

Michigan Juggles Options for Dealing With Budget Crunch

As the slowing economy continues to crimp tax revenue, Michigan lawmakers are grappling with belt-tightening decisions that few expected to make just six months ago. They are hopeful that the state will avoid drastic cuts, but the process so far hasnt been easy. And while the Legislature makes progress on budget cuts, it may take an executive order from Republican Gov. John Engler to bring swift action.

New Concealed-Weapons Proposals Face Heated Debate

As Michigans high court decides whether a new law making it easier to carry a concealed weapon will take effect next month or face a referendum next year, both sides of the gun debate are keeping this area a hot topic for policymakers across the country.

State School Chiefs Concerned About Details of Education Bill

State school officials generally praised the US Senate for recognizing the importance of education with passage earlier this month (6/14) of their version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the lions share of Federal K-12 funding. But many remain concerned about details such as cash for mandatory exams, the definition of a failing school and the implementation of sanctions against states and districts.

Ousted State Senator on Comeback Trail

David Jaye was the first senator in Michigan's 162 year history to be expelled from office. Undaunted, the maverick ultra-conservative Republican now seeks to rewrite the history books again by becoming the first ousted lawmaker to recapture his old seat.

California Mulls A Punch-Card Free Future

The Golden State will become the fourth in the country to outlaw punch cards, following the lead of Maryland, Florida and Georgia. It could also face the most complicated and costly upgrade as it looks to move its punch card machines from polling places to scrap heaps by 2006.

Governors To Congress: Help Us Help Economy

With congressional leaders and President Bush hashing out the details of an economic stimulus package that could reach $75 billion, the nation's governors have weighed in with some proposals of their own. Concerned by double-digit revenue drops in some states, the governors want measures that would save them from having to raise taxes or cut programs at a time when doing either could further damage the economy.

Border Issues Thrust to Fore: Security vs. Trade

In an effort to reduce the threat of terrorists slipping into the country, Immigration and Customs officials have tightened the nation's northern and southern borders, prompting local and state officials to call for increased border staffing to ease the flow of goods and people. At stake is the economic health of states, regions and industries dependent on open borders for survival.

Michigan Governor Calls Terrorist Attacks 'Watershed Moment'

The office of governor is powerful. But when they assumed office, none of the 50 men and women who took the job could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges they have faced since September 11. From time to time, STATELINE.ORG will publish the reflections of governors on their role in America's War with Terrorism. Michigan Gov. John Engler, a 53-year-old Republican, offers his observations on what life and governing have been like in recent weeks. As Chairman of the National Governors Association, his responsibilities also include serving as the lead contact with the federal government on behalf of the nations governors.

America Under Fire: Engler of Michigan Reflects

When they assumed office, none of the state governors could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges they've faced since September 11. From time to time, STATELINE.ORG will publish the reflections of governors on their role in America's War with Terrorism. Michigan's John Engler, a 53-year-old Republican, offers his observations on what life and governing have been like in recent weeks.

States Share Latest On Rx Programs

Officials from Florida, Maine, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia will provide updates on their Medicaid and state employee prescription drug programs at a forum in Pittsburgh Friday (1/11).

Term Limits Hit Lawmakers In 11 States

Legislatures in 11 states face fallout from term limits in this year's elections with 330 lawmakers being forced to step down after 12 or fewer years in office. The Michigan state Senate, which will lose 27 of its 38 members, will be hardest hit. The Missouri Legislature will suffer heavily as well -- it bids farewell to 75 of its 163 House members and 12 of its 34 Senators

Michigan State of the State Address 2002

LANSING, Michigan - Jan 23 - Following is the text of Gov. John Engler's 2002 Michigan State of the State Address: Thank you, Bishop Mengeling, for your invocation. Lieutenant Governor Posthumus, Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader DeGrow, members of the House and Senate, Chief Justice Corrigan, justices

Jobless Benefit Gap Opens Even As Recession Eases

Despite recent indications the national economy is pulling out of its nearly yearlong slump, unemployment is a continuing problem in the states, as more than a million laid-off workers have exhausted their jobless benefits in recent months.

State Officials Uneasy With Bush's Welfare Changes

Alabama, Michigan and the District of Columbia split $75 million in extra federal welfare funds last year for achieving the largest decreases in out-of-wedlock births and abortion rates between 1996 and 1999. But the program that brought this windfall may soon disappear because President George W. Bush's welfare reform reauthorization plan does away with bonuses to states that do the best job of reducing illegitimacy and medically terminated pregnancies.

States Slow To Tackle Campaign Finance Reform

When it comes to curbing the influence of special interest money in politics, state lawmakers are sometimes credited with doing more to end questionable practices than the U.S. Congress, which has voted to ban so-called soft money. But reform advocates say campaign fundraising is as open to mischief at the state level as the federal level and that change is unlikely anytime soon.

Few States Regulate Outside Campaign Money

Out-of-state money is pouring into Florida to influence the outcome of the race for governor in the Sunshine State, which political experts regard as a a bellwether for the 2002 election and possibly the 2004 presidential race. It's a phenomenon that occurs in most states in election years.

No Stampede For New Terrorism Laws

In contrast with the federal rush to expand police powers to go after suspected terrorists, most state legislatures are moving slowly on post-9/11 homeland protection measures as they seek to balance national security concerns with the preservation of civil liberties.

Cities, Counties Hurt By Budget Cuts

Starved for cash due to slumping sales tax revenues and rising Medicaid costs, North Carolinas Mecklenburg County needs another revenue hit like a fish needs a bicycle. But thats exactly what it got in February. Through April of this year, 10 states Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and Washington have cut local revenue sharing dollars to balance fiscal year 2002 budgets.

April Cruellest Month For State Budgets

April is the cruellest month, T.S. Eliot lamented in his epic 1922 poem, The Waste Land. State lawmakers might be inclined to agree after tallying up April income tax collections.

States Continue Rx Onslaught

Vermont is poised to enact a landmark prescription drug law within the next few weeks, a move that adds fuel to state battles against rising prescription drug costs. Lawmakers borrowed parts of at least five different programsincluding Maine, Florida, Michigan, West Virginia and Illinois to come up with a plan that is sweeping and controversial.

Sex Offender Registries Face Legal Challenge

Courts throughout the country, including the U.S. Supreme Court, are taking a second look at a practice common in all 50 states the listing of names of convicted sex offenders in an official registry.

Kansas, Michigan Primaries Define GOP Battle Ground

When voters cast their ballots Tuesday in the Kansas and Michigan primaries, it could be a defining moment for Republicans fighting to maintain their fragile hold on the governors offices in those two states.

Failing Schools Forced to Offer School Choice

For two years in a row, 8,652 public schools across the country have failed to meet state performance standards, according to the U.S. Education Department. Under orders from Washington DC, these schools must now offer their students the option and funding to switch to a better performing school within their district.

State Elections Boost Women Candidates

State primary elections Tuesday gave a big boost to women candidates, raising the possibility Michigan could get its first female governor come November. But voters in at least two states rejected new tax initiatives and the candidates pushing them.

Lt. Governors: Running In the Shadows

You may not know them, but theyre running for governor this year, trying to break out of the shadows cast by long-serving chief executives who, because of term limits or other reasons, arent running for re-election. They are lieutenant governors who have served without much recognition. Seven of them hope to change that on Nov. 5

States Scramble to Implement New Education Law

Scores of schools arent making the grade when it comes to complying with the new No Child Left Behind education law. Some states are reworking their policies to make it easier for students to pass muster while some districts are finding excuses not to take students from schools with poor marks.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Louisiana - North Dakota

Find a comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Louisiana through North Dakota

Don't Pin Me Down: Candidates Avoid Budget Specifics

It's a priorities issue. No new taxes. I won't touch education. These are nice campaign slogans, but they don't close budget gaps, despite what some candidates for governor would have you believe.

State Agencies Search for Foster Kids

Following the high-profile disappearance of a 5-year-old foster child in Florida who was discovered missing last spring after a social worker failed to check on her for 16 months, several states are under pressure to account for hundreds of missing foster kids that ran away or were abducted from state care.

Michigan Firm Bucks Negative Welfare Trend

Six years after sweeping welfare reform legislation began moving hundreds of thousands of people off welfare, many former recipients are failing to stay employed and work themselves out of poverty. But an innovative welfare-to-work program created by a Michigan plastics manufacturing firm is bucking that trend by achieving record-breaking success in helping people become independent of public assistance.

Extra Support Helps Welfare-to-Work Program Succeed

Michigan has reduced its welfare rolls by nearly 70 percent in the last six years by helping people on public assistance find jobs and by providing services like childcare to make sure they stay employed. In the second installment of a two-part profile of one of the states most successful welfare-to-work initiatives, Stateline.org looks at how a plastics company helped one welfare recipient become self-sufficient.

States Unhappy with Bush's Welfare Initiative

While President Bush urged Congress this week to quickly extend the expired 1996 welfare reform law, state officials criticized the president for not revising proposals that will impose stricter work mandates that they say states cannot meet during an economic downturn.

States Lose Track of Sex Offenders

A child rapist could become your neighbor, and youd never know it. Thats because many state laws requiring sex offenders to register for inclusion in databases arent working. California has lost track of more than 30,000 sex offenders, and Wisconsin, Minnesota and Oregon can't account for more than 10 percent of their registered sex offenders.

Michigan State Of The State Address 2003

LANSING, Michigan - Feb. 6 - Following is the text of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's 2003 State of the State Address: Speaker Johnson, Democratic Leader Byrum, Majority Leader Sikkema, Democratic Leader Emerson and the members of the state Senate and House; Chief Justice Corrigan and the members of the judiciary, At

States Teaming Up to Combat Rx Drug Costs

Theres strength in numbers. At least thats the rationale of freshmen governors in Michigan, Vermont, Wisconsin and South Carolina who are mounting a joint attack on the soaring cost of prescription drugs for Medicaid beneficiaries.

State Programs Named Finalists for Innovation Awards

Five state-run programs are among finalists in the competition for Innovations in American Government Awards.

States Balance He's and She's

Though women have had the vote for nearly a century, many state constitutions use only male nouns and pronouns to refer to state offices and functions. There's a move afoot to change that, and it's focused on Michigan and New Hampshire.

State Lawmakers Form Great Lakes Caucus

Forty lawmakers representing eight states have launched the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus to create uniform laws in their respective states to curb water pollution, regulate water diversion projects and control non-native organisms that threaten the Great Lakes ecosystem.

State Attorney Generals Step Up Child Support Enforcement

Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox is taking the fight to collect child support to the streets, where billboards will warn the states motorists to pay child support on time or do time. The billboards represent one facet of a large-scale effort by Cox to crackdown on Michigans deadbeat parentsa move that follows the lead of state Attorneys General across the country.

Michigan State of the State Address 2004

LANSING, Michigan - Jan. 29 - Following is the full text of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's 2004 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Cherry, Speaker Johnson, Democratic Leader Byrum, Majority Leader Sikkema, Democratic Leader Emerson and members of the State Senate and House of Representatives, Chief Justice C

Rx Cost-Cutting Puts Governors at Odds with Federal Government

Several governors are sparring with the federal government over their cutting-edge tactics to lower prescription drug costs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has branded efforts by Minnesota and other northern tier states to help their residents buy less expensive medicines from Canada illegal and unsafe. And in a separate case, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) is complaining about a bureaucratic delay of federal approval of a multi-state prescription drug purchasing pool.

Ten States Lose Federal Education Money for Poor Children

Federal money to educate poor children is increasing, but 10 states and more than half of the nation's school districts will see a drop in their share of the dollars in the next school year, according to a report released June 15. Overall, nearly 56 percent of school districts will get less federal money, despite a $647 million increase in the Title I program that allocates money for low-income students.

Petition Drives to Ban Gay Marriage Succeeding

A state-by-state push for constitutional bans on same-sex marriage has met with success in Arkansas, Michigan, Montana and Oregon, where ballot initiative groups appear to have collected more than enough signatures to place amendments before voters in November. If validated by state election officials in these states, the number of states that will vote on constitutional gay marriage bans this fall will increase to 11.

Michigan Tops List as Model for Mouse Clickers

Michigan.gov is the place to go for inquisitive citizens with an Internet hookup, winning the No. 1 ranking in a new survey that picks the top 10 states providing government services online. Among Michigans innovations: a mapping program that can lead users to the nearest waterfall, and sample standardized tests for school children. With six out of 10 American adults now hooked into the Internet, e-government is of growing importance to states.

New Governors Spell Change - Road Sign by Road Sign

The transition to a new governor is about more than handing over the reins of power or even the keys to the executive mansion. Sometimes its about pesky issues, such as what to do with 4,000 boxes of salt-water taffy that carry the name of New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey, who left office unexpectedly this year. Nine states face such delicate dilemmas as they adjust to new governors taking office.

Michigan State of the State Address 2005

LANSING, Mich. - Feb. 8 - Following is the prepared text of Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm's (D) 2005 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Cherry, Speaker DeRoche, Democratic Leader Byrum, Majority Leader Sikkema, Democratic Leader Emerson, members of the State Senate and House of Representatives, memb

State Lawmakers Bag Online Hunting

Lawmakers in 11 states jumped on the bandwagon to outlaw online hunting this year, and California may soon do the same. Why all the fuss? It's over a single website that briefly offered Internet users a chance this spring to shoot live animals on a Texas ranch and that netted a single customer.

Michigan State of the State Address 2006

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 25 -- Following is the prepared text of Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm's (D) 2006 state of the state address: Thank you. Lieutenant Governor Cherry, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Majority Leader, members of the Legislature, distinguished guests, fellow citizens, my beloved family: Before I begin, I wo

Report: 9 states May Lose Under Bush Plan

Nine states would receive less money from Washington, D.C., if Congress adopts President Bush's 2007 budget proposal, while most others would see modest increases, suggests a new analysis by Federal Funds Information for States, a subscription service for state officials.

New Ploys Devised to Boost Voter Turnout

Political scientists expect voter turnout to be up nationally in this November's mid-term elections, despite lackluster participation in most primaries. Amid the anticipated upswing, Arizona and Michigan voters are being targeted with new tactics to get them to cast ballots.

Affirmative Action on Michigan Ballot

The fight over a ballot initiative to ban affirmative action in Michigan's university admissions and government hiring and contracts has turned ugly, leading to a raucous process and claims of voter fraud. The Michigan proposal is modeled after measures passed by California voters in 1996 and Washington state voters in 1998.

Sick Leave Tops State Labor Agendas

Now that a majority of states have boosted wages above the federal minimum, lawmakers in at least seven states want to guarantee workers paid sick days. Buoyed by overwhelming approval of a San Francisco ballot initiative that would allow workers at least nine sick days per year, lawmakers in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Vermont, Maine, Montana, Michigan and Maryland are expected to propose similar measures.

Mega-Donors Get Mixed Election Results

The power of personal fortunes to sway political outcomes was put to the test in state races across the country last year. With help from billionaire activist Jon Stryker, an heir to a medical products fortune, Democrats captured control of the Michigan state House for the first time in 12 years. But other super-rich donors got less bang for their buck.

Michigan State of the State Address 2007

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 6 - Following is the prepared text of Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm's (D) 2007 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Cherry, Speaker Dillon, Majority Leader Bishop, Secretary of State Land, Attorney General Cox, members of the Legislature, State Board of Education, judiciary and Cab

'One-state' Recession Hampers Michigan

The drumbeat of bad economic news out of Michigan keeps pounding, putting pressure on Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) and state lawmakers to reverse the trend and avert a state budget crisis.

A Detroit charter school's amazing '90-90' pledge -- and success

In 1999 Doug Ross and his colleagues made an outrageous "90-90" promise. In 2007, they would graduate at least 90 percent of ninth graders going through their brand new University Preparatory Academy, an inner-city charter school. And, 90 percent would go on to post-secondary education.

States Scramble for Gambling Jackpot

States are aggressively tapping into one of the easiest ways to bring cash to their coffers: Let gamblers lose on slots, poker and roulette - and carve out a big take for state treasuries. Kansas is taking that approach one step further with a plan to own and operate its commercial casinos.

Food vouchers lure Detroit Medicaid patients

A company that helps run Michigan's Medicaid program is trying a new tactic to keep mothers and children healthy: It's holding clinics in doctors' offices where patients can get vouchers for free food and baby formula as well as medical services.

Report: Women govs get high marks

Women running for governor still have to work harder than men, but once elected, voters think female governors are better at getting things done and solving problems than their male counterparts, new research released Nov. 29 shows.

States take lead to fix housing crisis

States are in the forefront of policymaking to minimize damage from the mortgage meltdown. Although President George W. Bush on Thursday (Dec. 6) announced a groundbreaking agreement with major lenders to temporarily freeze sub-prime interest rates that are set to rise, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger got there first: He unveiled a similar deal last month.

Federal Spending Plan Slashes Anti-Crime Grants

Law enforcement officials across the country are lambasting the federal spending plan approved by President Bush on Dec. 26, warning that a 67-percent decrease in funding for targeted state and local criminal justice initiatives imperils public safety.

Michigan State of the State Address 2008

LANSING, Mich. - Jan. 29 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's (D) 2008 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Cherry, Speaker Dillon, Majority Leader Bishop, distinguished leaders, fellow citizens, my beloved family: good evening. Let us begin this evening by putting first things fi

Bond Crisis Already Crimping States

Michigan just suspended a state loan program for 8,500 students, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is facing a four-fold jump in interest rates on one of its loans. Both are signs of a new bond-market crisis that is threatening to hurt other cities and states if left unchecked.

Managing Govt. Is Key in Fiscal Downturn

Utah, Virginia and Washington got top marks for managing a wide range of responsibilities - from fixing roads and schools to spending tax dollars and sharing public information - that carry a direct impact on their residents' lives, according to a national study that measured state governments' strengths and weaknesses.

WORTH NOTING: Rival school's 'nay' is fodder for April Fool's Day

Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell (R) invites her state's top cop to investigate basketball rivals in Tennessee. Communists could get a break in California. And Missouri lawyers are told to pipe down when talking to kids. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Credit Crunch Hits States' College Loans

The credit crisis has led some state lending agencies to suspend their federal and private student loan programs, forcing thousands of students to search elsewhere for money to pay for college.

States Scramble to Ease Pain at the Pump

(Updated 3:46 p.m. EDT, May 20, 2008) As Memorial Day weekend approaches and with gas prices around $4 a gallon, many states are offering motorists at the start of the summer driving season suggestions and some solutions for relief.

States Avoid Slashing Higher Ed Money

Despite a tough economic year, several states are attempting to hold the line on college tuition - or at least not let increases get out of control - by avoiding deep cuts to higher education, an area that states have been quick to slash in past years when funds were low.

WORTH NOTING: Ex-State Senator Leaves Phone Greeting - From Jail

A former Maryland senator won't be answering his phone for a few years. A Michigan ballot reform group needs a better proofreader. And South Carolina's new license plates won't be heading off into the sunset. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Great Lakes States Protect Their Water

Congress begins work Wednesday (July 30) on the Great Lakes Compact, an agreement among eight states designed to preserve their drinking water and promote shipping, electric power and tourism by restricting water diversion from the lakes.

WORTH NOTING: Michigan billed for woman's gas

A woman wants Michigan to pay for gas wasted in stalled traffic. A Nebraska judge considers whether the Almighty can be sued. And a Democrat-sponsored Web site claims Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) is the worst of the worst. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Florida and Michigan Get Out of the Penalty Box

DENVER - The Democratic Party's decision Aug. 25 to lift the sanctions against Florida and Michigan for holding their primaries too early doesn't end the debate whether something should be done to prevent a repeat of states' mad dash to the front of the nominating pecking line.

Florida and Michigan: So Much for Punishment

Democratic convention delegates from Florida and Michigan are finding that party leaders do indeed forgive and forget - at least in terms of seating.

Delegates Speak: Michigan on Health Care

Michigan delegate, Zina Kramer Aug. 29, 2008, 1:30 p.m. EDTQ. What serious issue in your state would you like the next president to address?One of the main issues really winds up being health care and being able to reduce the cost of health care and make health care affordable. And even when it comes to the manufacturing industry, we find now that somewhere between $1,500 and $1,700 of every automobile that you buy that's American are really health care costs. And so to be able to reduce those kinds of costs would be a tremendous benefit to the workforce in the state of Michigan because we believe that that would help more people buy American cars.-Michigan delegate Zina Kramer, 63, of Bloomfield Hills, marketing business owner, interviewed by Barbara Rosewicz, Stateline.orgAFTER THE JUMP: Audio from the Stateline.org interview with KramerComments

GOP Sticks With Prez Primary Rules

For all the complaining about the 2008 presidential primary season starting too early, the GOP has done little to change the 2012 contest schedule.

Teachers Lured From Struggling States

One state's misfortune is another's opportunity, as out-of-state recruiters hire teachers away from states with large budget gaps.

State Jobless Funds Are Running Dry

As claims for benefits rise because of the economic downturn, many states are trying to figure out how to pay unemployed workers.

Stem-Cell Science an Election Issue in 3 States

Also see: • A comprehensive list of state elections• A printable PDF of major ballot issues While both presidential candidates agree that the federal government should fund controversial stem-cell research, voters in Michigan, North Carolina and Washington state are being asked to take a fresh look at whether the science, which offers potential cures for millions of Americans, is worth the moral cost of destroying human embryos.

Voters Could Relax Marijuana Penalties

Also see: • A comprehensive list of state elections• A printable PDF of major ballot issues Ballot questions next month will give voters in California, Massachusetts and Michigan a chance to revisit their states' policies on marijuana. If approved, the measures are likely to exacerbate tensions between states and the federal government over the drug.

Salt Prices Put States in a Pinch

Cold-weather states across the country will need hundreds of thousands of tons of salt to keep roads and highways safe this winter. But prices are running two and three times higher than last year, forcing some states and municipalities to make do with less.

Shifting Economy Keeps States Guessing

A month from the start of many legislative sessions, state leaders still don't know how much money they will have to cut from budgets.

Nasty Judicial Races Renew Complaints

Another bruising campaign season in judicial elections has spurred calls for reform from advocacy groups, lawyers and others in the legal community, but fierce debate persists over how exactly state judges should be chosen.

Michigan State of the State Address 2009

LANSING, Mich. - Feb. 3 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Cherry, Speaker Dillon, Majority Leader Bishop, members of my Cabinet, fellow citizens, my beloved family: good evening. There are many familiar faces in the chamber this ev

With Crisis as Catalyst, Govs Push Big Changes

Governors are using the economic crisis to sell big changes in how state and local jurisdictions operate, promising overhauls that could alter the face of government around the country. Their proposals range from sharing state helicopters between Minnesota and Wisconsin to shrinking Pennsylvania's system of 500 school districts to just 100.